We are aware that children are often the most vulnerable in times of crisis, especially displaced children who are already affected by trauma. It is important to protect children's emotional wellbeing as much as their physical safety. Each child has its own way to respond to frightening events. Some become timid, others might express anger, or demand more attention. As children feel vulnerable and overwhelmed, it's important to initially focus on providing a sense of safety and security. With the current circumstances with COVID-19, families in refugee camps are locked down in their tents. Certainly, given the situation parents face challenges in providing support to their children in times of uncertainty.
Therefore, a proper and timely response is needed to address safety and wellbeing of both children and parents.Providing guidance on caregiving and maternal and child health, hygiene, and basic education in the form of social emotional learning.
Building off expertise working with children affected by crisis, the COVID-19 Response Consortium including 4 organizations [Amal Alliance, Karanga, Learning in Times of Crisis, and Salzburg Global Seminar] provide a comprehensive approach that responds to the most vulnerable communities during these extraordinary times. Please note their collective collective mission is to prioritize child protection above all.
Given barriers of entry into refugee camps from mandates from Ministries of Health, the consortium has devised a creative virtual response. Providing a podcast series addressing needs of all age groups with different thinking abilities, along with engaging parents in the activities. Podcasts will include different aspects and activities that go with child protection and wellbeing in this corona Crisis and the related topics who are also affecting their learning and the reintegration into school. Podcast topics include subjects such as hygiene, empathy, tolerance, and coping mechanisms. Alongside the podcast, worksheets will be distributed via Whatsapp to provide parents with the skills they need to reduce anxiety and stress amidst this crisis.
The funds will be used to support part of the translation costs summing up $4,000 to Arabic, French, and Farsi. They will also support purchasing the paper and crayons needed for the children to draw.
|